DOCSLIB.ORG

Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page On Friday, February 20, 2004, Justice Minister Frank Quennel announced that the Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum of the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench will conduct an inquiry into any and all aspects of the conduct of the investigation into the death of Gail Miller and the subsequent criminal proceedings resulting in the wrongful conviction of David Edgar Milgaard. The Commission of Inquiry will also have the responsibility to seek to determine whether the investigation should have been re-opened based on information subsequently received by the police and the Department of Justice. Mandate The Commissioner Commission Staff Terms of Reference Media Centre Schedule Legal Information Transcripts Applications & Rulings Parties to the Commission FAQs Witness List Public Documents Contact Final Submissions Final Report Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page FINAL REPORT Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Volume 1 Appendices • Cover - Volume 1 • Appendix A: Master Chronology of Events • Opening Documents • Appendix B: Rasmussen Report • Chapter 1: Introduction • Appendix C: Emson’s Autopsy Report • Chapter 2: Chronology of Events and Persons • Appendix D: Trial Transcript Referenced in Report • Part 1 • Chapter 3: Overview of Facts • Part 2 • Chapter 4: Executive Summary • Part 3 • Chapter 5: Systemic Issues • Part 4 • Chapter 6: Canada’s Conviction Review Process • Part 5 • Chapter 7: Summary of Findings and Recommendations • Part 6 • Part 7 • Part 8 • Part 9 • Part 10 Volume 2 • Part 11 • Part 12 • Cover Volume 2 • Part 13 • Opening Documents • Appendix E: Appeal Judgment • Chapter 8: Investigation into the Death of Gail Miller • Appendix F: Crown Opening Address • Chapter 9: Investigation and Prosecution of David • Appendix G: Crown Closing Address Milgaard • Appendix H: Defence Closing Address • Chapter 10: Larry Fisher Arrest and Conviction • Appendix I: Jury Charge • Chapter 11: Post-Conviction Events • Appendix J: Nichol John Statement May 24, 1969 • Chapter 12: The Reopening of the Investigation • Appendix K: Memorandum of Law - s. 9(2) of the • Chapter 13: First s. 690 Application Canada Evidence Act • Chapter 14: Second s. 690 Application • Appendix L: Nichol John March 11, 1969 Statement • Chapter 15: Supreme Court Reference • Appendix M: Mackie Summary • Chapter 16: Michael Breckenridge Allegations • Appendix N: List of Witnesses • Chapter 17: RCMP Investigation – Flicker • Appendix O: Pearson’s Occurrence Report • Chapter 18: DNA Testing • Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Appendix P: Federal Minister’s Decision of February 27, 1991 • Appendix Q: Chronology of Activities – Sawatsky • Appendix R: Supreme Court of Canada Opinion • Appendix S: Criminal Code Provisions and Regulations Regarding Applications for Ministerial Review Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page MANDATE On February 20, 2004, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the appointment of the Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum of the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench to conduct an inquiry into the wrongful conviction of David Milgaard. The Commission has a mandate to inquire into and report on any and all aspects of the conduct of the investigation into the death of Gail Miller, and the subsequent criminal proceedings resulting in the wrongful conviction of David Milgaard on the charge that he murdered Gail Miller. The Commission also has the responsibility to seek to determine whether the investigation should have been re-opened based on information subsequently received by the police and the Department of Justice. The Commission will report its findings and make such recommendations as it considers advisable relating to the administration of criminal justice in the province of Saskatchewan. As provided in the Public Inquiries Act, the Commission shall perform its duties without expressing any conclusion or recommendation regarding the civil or criminal liability of any person or organization, and without interfering in any ongoing criminal or civil proceeding. The Commission will deliver its final report containing its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Attorney General of Saskatchewan, who will make the report public. Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page MEDIA CENTRE Background Information • Chronology of Events (October 21, 1968 - August 26, 2004) • Phases of Inquiry • Backgrounder - August 15, 2005 • Backgrounder - October 4, 2006 Media Advisories News Releases • February 20 - Inquiry Called Into Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Media Attendance in the Hearing Room Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page APPLICATIONS & RULINGS Applications • Application for Standing by Eugene Williams Q.C. • Submissions on behalf of the Federal Minister of Justice regarding the Constitutional Limitations on the Saskatchewan Inquiry into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard • Reply of the Government of Saskatchewan to Submissions on Behalf of the Federal Minister of Justice regarding the Constitutional Limitations on the Saskatchewan Inquiry into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard • Response on behalf of the Federal Minister of Justice to the Constitutional Submissions of the Government of Saskatchewan • Application for standing and funding by David Milgaard, March 16, 2004 • Application for standing and funding by Eddie Karst, March 16, 2004 • Application for standing by the Government of Saskatchewan, April 2, 2004 • Application for standing and funding by T.D.R. Caldwell, April 2, 2004 • Application for standing and funding by AIDWYC, April 5, 2004 • Application for standing and funding by Joyce Milgaard, April 5, 2004 • Application for standing by RCMP, April 5, 2004 • Application for standing and funding by Larry Fisher, April 6, 2004 • Application for standing and funding by the Saskatoon Police Service, April 6, 2004 • Application for standing and funding by Serge Kujawa, May 18, 2004 • Application for standing by the Attorney General of Canada, March 4, 2005 • Application for standing and funding by Calvin Tallis, February 24, 2005 • Application for standing and funding by David Asper, February 17, 2006 • Affidavit in support of David Asper’s Application for Standing and Funding Rulings • Decision on David Asper’s Application for Funding • Ruling on David Asper’s Application for Standing and Funding • Decision on Motion in the Matter of the Application on Behalf of David Milgaard for Accommodation • Ruling on Scope of Cross-Examination • Ruling on Larry Fisher’s Standing Review • Ruling on Joyce Milgaard’s Application for Travel and Accommodation Expenses While Attending the Inquiry • Ruling on Joyce Milgaard’s Application for Funding for Second Counsel • Ruling on Standing and Funding re. Saskatoon Criminal Lawyers Association and Serge Kujawa Federal Justice Application to Queen’s Bench • Court of Queen’s Bench Judgment - August 18, 2006 • Saskatchewan Justice Memorandum of Law • Asper Affidavit • Asper Memorandum of Fact & Law • Asper Memorandum re Commission Submissions • Federal Justice Memorandum of Fact & Law • Notice of Motion from the Attorney General of Canada - July 4, 2006 Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page PUBLIC DOCUMENTS Click here for Public Documents Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page THE COMMISSIONER HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE EDWARD P. MACCALLUM Mr. Justice MacCallum was called to the bar in Alberta in 1965 and appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench in 1983. In addition to his trial court responsibilities in Alberta, Justice MacCallum is a deputy judge in Nunavut, the Yukon Territories and the Northwest Territories. He was chairman of the Alberta Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission and served four terms as a sessional lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta. He was the Chairman of the Fatality Review Board for the Province of Alberta for five years. Commission of the Inquiry Into the Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard Honourable Mr. Justice Edward P. MacCallum, Commissioner Click on any heading to return to first page SCHEDULE The Public Hearing convened for a total of 191 days between January 17, 2005 and October 4, 2006. View the complete schedule of hearing days and locations: • Month by Month Schedule View the monthly schedule of hearing days and locations: • January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 December 2006 Commission
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Miller Thomson LLP 1998-2008 WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS in CANADA
    Robson Court MILLER 1000-840 Howe Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z 2M1 THOMSON LLP Tel. 604.687.2242 Barristers & Solicitors Fax. 604.643.1200 Patent & Trade-Mark Agents www.millerthomson.com VANCOUVER TORONTO CALGARY EDMONTON LONDON KITCHENER-WATERLOO GUELPH MARKHAM MONTRÉAL Wrongful Convictions in Canada Robin Bajer, Monique Trépanier, Elizabeth Campbell, Doug LePard, Nicola Mahaffy, Julie Robinson, Dwight Stewart International Conference of the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law June 2007 This article is provided as an information service only and is not meant as legal advice. Readers are cautioned not to act on the information provided without seeking specific legal advice with respect to their unique circumstances. © Miller Thomson LLP 1998-2008 WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS IN CANADA Authors: Robin Bajer Monique Trépanier Elizabeth Campbell Doug LePard Nicola Mahaffy Julie Robinson Dwight Stewart TABLE OF CONTENTS WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS IN CANADA ...............................................................................2 CHAPTER ONE – Introduction and Background By Robin Bajer and Monique Trépanier..................................................................2 CHAPTER TWO – How Police Departments Can Reduce the Risk of Wrongful Convictions By Elizabeth Campbell and Doug LePard.............................................................12 CHAPTER THREE – Review: Wrongful Convictions and the Role of Crown Counsel By Nicola Mahaffy and Julie Robinson.................................................................40
    [Show full text]
  • Voices of Forensic Science
    Chapter 14 The Harmful Repercussions of Wrongful Convictions Preetha Jayanthan, Bailey Hennessy "No one should ever be wrongfully deprived of their rights to liberty and freedom without just cause, yet in the past 25 years alone thousands of people have been wrongfully convicted and sentenced to tens of thousands of years in prison." (Kerik, B. B., 2015) Wrongful convictions occur when the criminal justice system fails to uphold its gold standards and thus miscarriages of justice occur. This chapter will take a close look into wrongful convictions caused by, improperly implementing the gold standards of forensic science through examining the aftermath of a wrongful conviction. By paying particular attention to the process of exonerating an individual; with an emphasis on the resources, or lack thereof, available. The chapter will then move towards the supposed ‘finish line’ of being exonerated. This decision, however, does not make up for the psychological trauma caused to the victim of a wrongful conviction. For many, an incorrect conviction can cost years, if not decades, of one’s life. This often causes wrongfully convicted individuals to lose friends, family, and other important relationships, ultimately resulting in mental health issues. What is a Wrongful Conviction? A wrongful conviction occurs when an individual is accused or sentenced for a crime they did not commit, in other words, a miscarriage of justice has occurred (Denov & Campbell, 2005). The root causes of wrongful convictions are seen to be both individual and systemic in nature (Denov & Campbell, 2005). Some examples 253 Are We There Yet? The Golden Standards of Forensic Science of root causes include false confessions, and bias in the system, such as tunnel vision (Denov & Campbell, 2005).
    [Show full text]
  • Rule of Law Report
    RULE OF LAW REPORT ISSUE 2 JUNE 2018 EDITOR’S NOTE Heather MacIvor 2 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF ADVOCACY FOR THE WRONGLY CONVICTED Win Wahrer 3 LEVEL – CHANGING LIVES THROUGH LAW Heather MacIvor 6 EDITOR’S NOTE This issue features two leading Canadian organizations dedicated to justice and the rule of law. Innocence Canada, formerly called AIDWYC (Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted), is dedicated to preventing and correcting miscarriages of justice. Win Wahrer Heather MacIvor has been with Innocence Canada since LexisNexis Canada the beginning. As the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary, Win tells its story. She also spotlights some of the remarkable individuals who support Innocence Canada, and those Photo by Fardeen Firoze whom it has supported in their struggles. Level, formerly Canadian Lawyers Abroad, targets barriers to justice. It aims to educate and empower Indigenous youth, enhance cultural competency in the bench and Bar, and mentor future leaders in the legal profession. This issue spotlights Level’s current programming and its new five-year strategic plan. By drawing attention to flaws in the legal system, and tackling the root causes of injustice, Innocence Canada and Level strengthen the rule of law. LexisNexis Canada and its employees are proud to support the work of both organizations. We also raise money for other worthy causes, including the #TorontoStrongFund, established in response to the April 2018 Toronto van attack. 2 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF ADVOCACY FOR THE WRONGLY CONVICTED Innocence Canada, formerly the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC), is a national, non-profit organization that advocates for the wrongly convicted across Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • Advocate for Wrongly Convicted, David Milgaard Fights to Keep Innocent out of ‘Cages’”
    Networked Knowledge Media Reports Networked Knowledge Canada Homepage This page set up by Dr Robert N Moles On 2 OCTOBER 2014 Valerie Fortney of the Calgary Herald reported “Advocate for wrongly convicted, David Milgaard fights to keep innocent out of ‘cages’”. David Milgaard, who spent 23 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, spoke at the John Howard Society in Calgary on Thursday as part of the first Wrongful Conviction Day. Photograph by: Leah Hennel David Milgaard is not by definition an angry man. “I love my life,” says the youthful 62-year-old, who has called Calgary home for the past six years. “I’m grateful for everything I have today.” Stir his memories, though, and the old demons rush over him like an ocean wave. “I had trouble sitting with some men recently who were wrongfully convicted,” he says. “I wish to say that anger isn’t there, but it is there.” Despite the unwelcome emotions such encounters trigger, Milgaard — who spent more than 23 years in a Canadian prison for a crime he didn’t commit — stands outside the John Howard Society on Thursday morning, the featured speaker at a press conference launching the first Wrongful Conviction Day. Together with his long time lawyer Greg Rodin, who also lives in Calgary, Milgaard speaks passionately to the gathered media about the issues surrounding the wrongly convicted. “We cannot let innocent people be disqualified from life, from beauty,” he says. “In our Canadian prisons right now, we have wrongly convicted men, we have wrongly convicted women and, in some cases, children, sitting still right now inside cages.” The new day of recognition is being hosted by the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted, a national non-profit organization that grew out of the Justice for Guy Paul Morin Committee.
    [Show full text]
  • David Collier's Surviving Saskatoon and New Comics
    Deena Rymhs David Collier’s Surviving Saskatoon and New Comics Since the #$$% publication of Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus, a two-volume graphic narrative that explores the author’s inheritance as the son of Holocaust survivors, comic books have attracted renewed attention. Recent &lm versions of V for Vendetta, Ghost World, Road to Perdition, American Splendor, and Sin City re'ect a growing interest in alternative comics. Distinct from the superhero tradition that has dominated the comic book industry, alternative comics originated in the #$()s and !)s as a primarily underground form. *is new strain of indepen- dent, creator-owned art saw “an unprecedented sense of intimacy” in the authors’ approach to their subject matter, an intimacy that “rival[led] the scandalous disclosures of confessional poetry but shot through with fantasy, burlesque, and self-satire” (Hat&eld !). *e personal tenor of these comics would coalesce into “New Comics,” the next wave of comic art that followed in the #$+)s and $)s. Inheriting the cross-genre tendencies of the under- ground comics before them, New Comics have persisted in pushing the rela- tively open boundaries of the form, branching into autobiography, biography, political documentary, reportage, and historiography. Like their predeces- sors, this body of literature exhibits a strong interest in marginal identities and the social values that engender di,erence. One of Canada’s most noted comic-book artists, David Collier has written several book-length graphic narratives since Robert Crumb &rst published Collier’s comic strip in #$+(. His work has also appeared in such mainstream venues as the National Post and 'e Globe and Mail.
    [Show full text]
  • Wrongful Convictions: the Effect of Tunnel Vision and Predisposing Circumstances in the Criminal Justice System
    Wrongful Convictions: The Effect of Tunnel Vision and Predisposing Circumstances in the Criminal Justice System Bruce A. MacFarlane 0 Table of Contents Part I: Introduction............................................................................................................... 2 Part II: “Predisposing Circumstances” in the Criminal Justice System............................ 5 A. Public and media pressure on law enforcement agencies..........................................7 B. Public reaction to the background of an offender. ...................................................16 C. Noble cause corruption.............................................................................................20 D.Distortions due to extraneous influences ..................................................................25 Part III: Tunnel Vision in the Criminal Justice System ............................................28 A. What is tunnel vision? ..............................................................................................28 1. Commission of Inquiry in Canada and the United States a) The Morin Public Inquiry b) Commission of Inquiry into the Wrongful Conviction of Stephen Sophonow c) Report of the Commission on Capital Punishment (Illinois) d) The Lamer Commission of Inquiry 2. Critical elements of tunnel vision B. How does tunnel vision occur?...............................................................................33 1. Psychological Roots.....................................................................................34
    [Show full text]
  • Wrongful Conviction Day, October 2, 2019
    Heather Ruzylo To: Carey Campbell Subject: RE: Proclamation Request - Wrongful Conviction Day, October 2, 2019 From: Carey Campbell Sent: Friday, August 23, 2019 11:05 AM To: 'Sharon'; Bill Matson; Heather Ruzylo; Kristine Elia Subject: RE: Proclamation Request - Wrongful Conviction Day, October 2, 2019 Dear Sharon: Thank you for your email requesting a proclamation. I am keying in staff to assist in moving your request forward. I trust that they will be in touch further with details and next steps. carey Carey Campbell | Manager | Office of the Mayor and CAO | City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street | Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 | 905.356.7521 X 4206 | [email protected] From: Sharon < > Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2019 4:37 PM To: Jim Diodati <[email protected]> Subject: Proclamation Request - Wrongful Conviction Day, October 2, 2019 Good afternoon Mayor Diodati, I hope this finds you well. My name is Sharon Wilton, a graduate of the Criminal Justice & Public Policy program at the University of Guelph, and a volunteer for Innocence Canada (formerly the Association in Defence of the Wrongfully Convicted). I am writing to you on behalf of Innocence Canada to request a proclamation for October 2nd, 2019 as Wrongful Conviction Day in Niagara Falls. The purpose of Wrongful Conviction Day is to spread awareness about wrongful convictions and the effects these convictions have on individuals, their families, and the society at large. Through Wrongful Conviction Day, Innocence Canada aims to decrease the amount of wrongful convictions in Canada by encouraging the justice system to address issues that contribute to wrongful convictions.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Matter of Steven Truscott
    IN THE MATTER OF STEVEN TRUSCOTT ADVISORY OPINION ON THE ISSUE OF COMPENSATION THE HONOURABLE SYDNEY L. ROBINS, Q.C. March 28, 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 1 I. MY MANDATE ........................................................................................................................... 2 II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND....................................................................................................... 3 III. REFERENCE TO THE COURT OF APPEAL............................................................................ 7 IV. DECISION OF THE COURT OF APPEAL ................................................................................ 9 (i) The First Pillar Evidence Elated to the Time of Lynne Harper's Death ........................ 9 (it) The Second Pillar Eyewitness Evidence as to Where and When Steven Truscott was Seen on the Evening of June 9 .................................................. 11 (Hi) The Third Pillar. Post-Offence Conduct......................................................................... 13 (iv) The Fourth Pillar The Penis Lesions Evidence .............................................................. 14 (v) Other Evidence Considered by the Court of Appeal ........................................................ 15 The Court of Appeal's Conclusion................................................................................................. 17 V. ENTITLEMENT
    [Show full text]
  • Donald Marshall on Life After Prison Thomas Mann
    "You can't be mad forever": Donald Marshall on Life After Prison Thomas Mann When I think back about the booze and dope, maybe in a strange way prison saved me. It preserved my body by putting me on the shelf for ten years or so. Many of my friends from the old days are now pushing up daisies or are "out to lunch" from the booze and dope. It could have been me. Donald Marshall onald Marshall's soft-spoken and easy-going demeanor, combined Dwith his boyish sense of humour and an uncomplicated view of the world, make one instantly at ease talking with him. Not often does he complain or criticize. He is from the old school. He calls it the way he sees it and without hesitation. He has slugged it out a time or two along the way. Sometimes he won, sometimes not. He rarely looks back into his past except when asked, which is far more frequent than he prefers. He generally accepts his "celebra-con" status, at times jokes about it, yet has a disdain for the media who created it. "The media will eat you up and leave nothing. They can be brutal. They can turn you around so fast they will give you a hernia," states Marshall. He is very committed to his family, his Native Micmac community, and friends. He warmly and frequently discusses his recently deceased father, former Micmac Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr., as well as his work with native young offenders. Donald likes to laugh and enjoy life.
    [Show full text]
  • AIDWYC the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted
    AIDWYC the association in defence of the wrongly convicted AIDWYC is a Canadian based volunteer organization dedicated to preventing and rectifying wrongful convictions. AIDWYC has two broad objectives: first, eradicating the conditions that give rise to miscarriages of justice; and second, participating in the review and, where warranted, correction of wrongful convictions. AIDWYC is an entirely voluntary, non-profit association dedicated to assisting factually innocent persons who have been wrongfully convicted. AIDWYC was founded in 1993. It is the direct successor to the Justice for Guy Paul Morin Committee, a grass-roots organization that came into existence in support of Guy Paul Morin immediately following his wrongful conviction in the summer of 1992. When Guy Paul Morin was released on bail in February 1993, pending his appeal, this Committee reconstituted itself as AIDWYC having consciously decided to broaden its perspective and to act in defence of all persons who had been wrongly convicted. AIDWYC’s Honourary President is the Honourable Gregory T. Evans, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Province of Ontario and one of the three Commissioners who presided over the "Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall, Jr., Prosecution". For some ten years ending September 2004 AIDWYC’s Executive Director was Rubin Hurricane Carter who himself spent 20 years in prison for crimes he did not commit. The directors of AIDWYC include lawyers, academics and other interested members of the public. AIDWYC has sponsored or co-sponsored a number of international conferences including the 1994 conference, "Innocents Behind Bars"… the 1995 conference "Justice on Trial: The Wrongful Conviction of Guy Paul Morin", the 1996 conference "Coffin’s Legacy: Keeping the Death Penalty at Bay”, the 1998 conference in Chicago, Illinois "The National Conference on Wrongful Convictions and the Death Penalty" (of which AIDWYC was a co-sponsor).
    [Show full text]
  • Wrongful Conviction Day 2020 with Guest Exoneree Robert Baltovich
    Wrongful Conviction Day 2020 with guest exoneree Robert Baltovich | Text Transcript This is a text transcript for the Wrongful Conviction Day 2020 event, presented by the Criminal Justice & Public Policy and Criminology & Criminal Justice Policy programs at the University of Guelph. Guest speaker Robert Baltovich shared his experience of wrongful conviction and exoneration with attendees. The event was moderated by Prof. Dennis Baker and Prof. Carolyn Yule and was recorded on October 1, 2020. Transcript: Dennis Baker: Okay good evening everyone and welcome to our event honouring Wrongful Conviction Day. My name is Dennis Baker and I'm the Director of the Criminal Justice programs here at Guelph. I'm here tonight as the emcee but you won't be hearing much from me tonight, to my students’ great relief I'm sure. But, I'm going to try and keep things organized so we use this new forum effectively. I hope you'll bear with us as we will no doubt have a few technical bumps this evening. This is CJPP's first major event in this very different academic year. So, the plan for the evening is to have an introduction from Dean Byron Sheldrick and then Professor Yule will introduce our guest Rob Baltovich. And, ask some opening questions for about 30 minutes before you'll have the opportunity to ask yours. That's assuming I could figure out how Zoom works. We'll be taking questions via the chat function, so feel free to type yours as the evening progresses. They will come to me and then we'll have readers read them out.
    [Show full text]
  • THE TRIALS of STEVEN TRUSCOTT Introduction
    THE TRIALS OF STEVEN TRUSCOTT Introduction The acquittal of Steven Truscott, With public sympathy more and more Focus On August more than 48 years after his trial and on his side, Steven Truscott himself 28, 2007, the conviction for murder, resolved one stepped back into the limelight. With Ontario Court of of Canada’s lengthiest miscarriages the aid of lawyer James Lockyer and Appeal (www. of justice. In 1959, at the age of 14, other members of the Association in ontariocourts. Truscott was convicted of the rape and Defence of the Wrongly Convicted, on.ca/appeal.htm) murder of a 12-year-old girl. Following Truscott filed an official request with the overturned the a brief trial, he was sentenced to be Justice Minister for a review of his case. 1959 conviction of Steven Truscott hanged—a sentence that made him the Following an official inquiry, the Justice for the murder of youngest person ever to be sentenced for Minister referred the case to the Ontario 12-year-old Lynn execution by a Canadian court. Court of Appeal. It took nearly six years Harper. News in Truscott’s sentence was commuted from the filing of his request, but Steven Review looks back to life imprisonment, and he served 10 Truscott finally won his day in court. at the original years before being paroled. Following The appeal resulted in Truscott’s trial and Truscott’s lengthy battle to his release, he assumed a new name acquittal and a vindication for all those clear his name, and lived, worked, and raised a family who had supported him over the years.
    [Show full text]